A few more photos...

Thanks -- agree that a kitchen designer would help...but at this point we're trying to figure out what is feasible / ideal structure wise. Our architect hasn't come up with any other ideas, so I figured I'd reach out to see if the Houzz community could help.

The plan that says Midwood #2 is your starting point in my opinion. It has the least amount of change to the windows and plumbing. But it is bigger than your living room. Do you want the kitchen that large? Lots of decisions to make. I might try to make the utility room larger and put the kitchen on the left instead of the entire area. So much potential!

This might not be feasible, but if you could expand the other direction, m/l to the depth of the side door enclosure, you could keep all the windows. The kitchen would be large, but with a prep sink on the island, the work area would be efficient. A separate clean-up zone, with DWs flanking the sink, would provide space for helpers to load and unload the DWs without interfering in prep and cooking tasks, and would provide space for helpers during entertaining. The plan is quick and rough (my program doesn't work well with angles), but gives an idea of the general layout:

@3onthetree what do you recommend?

@Boxerpal was referring to my conceptual sketch as "not the best"

But shows Powder moved, which is the only way to get the Kitchen+Brkfst combo towards the back

Oh forgive me. I see you wrote that great idea above. You did a great job! I like it.

Thank you for the ideas, 3onthetree and mamagoose! Kayozzy, good point that we can't make the kitchen too big! Will work on the plans over the weekend...much appreciated!

Any updates on the space and plans?

Plans are coming along...really excited about this latest version! Thanks again to all for their ideas!

I see still struggling to define the sliver of the space next to the PowderRm. So 2 kitchens, one with island Brkfst seating/no upper cabinets and one with large open space (not really a butler's pantry) separated by a well-lighted empty space. Let's say you're spending $100-$150K on those 2 spaces alone (the "kitchen minor" will need same level of finishes being so open to view). What more is moving a powder room for say $10K? Is something not allowing it to move?

Good question...That space is actually not that big in real life. We'll likely put the 2 chairs with a table in between that we have in the sunroom now. We may end up with a moveable island in the "butler's pantry" -- agree, it's more of an extended kitchen space. But we can reuse the same cabinets so it will be low cost and extra storage since we'll have less in the main kitchen area. Moving the bathroom was deemed to be more than $10k, and creates a lot more complexity in the project. I am intrigued by that idea, but I think that will actually make the house feel smaller since that will create more of a closed off hallway from our utility room.

In the 'Kitchen Major,' I estimate 7' + 5' cabinets flanking the stove with no uppers. You have to walk 25' from the sink to get to 'Kitchen Minor,' which appears to be part-n-parcel to functioning in your prep, cleanup, and cooking zones in 'Kitchen Major.' While walking through seating (not really a "hearth room"). Which portions of this plan has you excited?

In your most recent plan, the existing dining room will be a real pain to use as a dining room. I suspect you will end up perched on island stools to eat most of the time. I think @3onthetree made the best layout suggestion so far. Move the powder room: it opens up so many possibilities. If your goal is to open up your house, that powder room is the main obstacle.